Abstract

In October 1989, the much-publicised Human Genome Project was initiated. The main aims of the project were to chart the complete human genome by determining the sequences of the three billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA and identify all genes in human DNA. This critical information would be stored in databases readily available to researchers, and the tools for analysing such data would be improved in order to facilitate and develop further research in the field of genetics. Key technology developed through this United States Federal Government-funded project would also be licensed to the private sector in order to kick-start genetics-related industries.